Brendan O'Carroll has cancelled the 2026 Christmas and New Year specials of Mrs Brown's Boys after an "unexpected" medical issue. The 70-year-old actor, who plays Agnes Brown, needs immediate surgery for two fractures in his jaw, according to a CT scan.
Health setback forces show cancellation
In a statement to fans, O'Carroll wrote: "It is with sincere regret I must announce that due to an unexpected medical issue I will have to cancel the recordings of the 2026 Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year's Specials." He added: "Following a CT Scan, it was found that I had two fractures in my mandible (jaw) which requires immediate surgery and a few months recovery."
The actor also confirmed he would delay his festive Mrs Brown's Boys D'Panto? performances in Dublin and Killarney, with hopes of rearranging them for 2027. "This decision has not been taken lightly and has been made on medical advice from my consultant," he added.
Past health battles revealed
This latest setback follows previous health struggles. In 2020, O'Carroll shared an exclusive health update after contracting a virus and experiencing arterial complications over three years. He recovered after treatment and lifestyle changes, including quitting cigarettes.
He previously told us: "They're not related but, that time I thought I was having a heart attack was when we were recording in Glasgow, about three years ago. It turned out just to be a virus, I had a very bad virus. Thank God, after two days I seemed to be okay."
He also recounted how a doctor friend noticed his breathing on TV and sent him for tests, leading to a stent in his heart. "It turned out I was about a month away from a heart attack," he said, adding that he was "110 per cent okay now" with family support.
Focus on recovery
Now facing a new challenge, O'Carroll said he needs "to focus on getting myself back to full health" and thanked fans for their support. He added: "I genuinely cannot wait to see you all again in 2027. Our fans mean the world to us, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support and trust me Agnes Brown and her family will be back!"
